Different challenge for UConn defense this week

After facing two of the most elusive quarterbacks in the last two games, there will be no such issues today as Buffalo quarterback Joe Licata has not had a run for a positive gain.

However, the Huskies weren't exactly doing cartwheels this week about facing the strong-armed Licata.

"Be careful what you wish for," UConn coach Paul Pasqualoni said. "This is a different style of quarterback than we have faced the last two weeks that for sure. This quarterback can really get the ball out on time. He throws it very accurately. He is a taller player, he is probably around 6-3 or so, he has good receivers and they have a very good scheme, they really do, they have some quick backs and they have some excellent receivers and some very good tight ends to throw the ball."

Licata has completed 58.9 percent of his passes for 592 yards and four touchdowns. His favorite target has been Alex Neutz, who has more than half of the Bulls' receiving yards and has a team-leading 25 catches.

"We have a guy not running around back there who can throw the deep stuff," UConn safety Ty-Meer Brown said. "We have to make sure we are on our toes and being able to finish."

The lack of a running threat at quarterback could give UConn's front seven a chance to pin their ears back and get after the quarterback.

"When you are playing a scrambling quarterback, you can’t really attack," UConn defensive end Angelo Pruitt said. "You have to be aware of his ability to scramble outside the pocket and his speed and quickness. Playing a pocket passer will allow us to be more aggressive, allow us to run more twists and everything."